BX May 25, 1923
Major Gordon J. Smith Died Here Today – Had Been Ill for Some Time – Active in Military – Since 1907 He Had Been Superintendent of the Six Nations
There fell asleep early this morning at his residence, 160 Dufferin Avenue, Major Gordon J. Smith, superintendent of the Six Nations Indians. He had been ill for some time and had borne his sufferings with much cheerful fortitude.
The deceased was the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Smith of Peterborough, and was born in that city on Jan. 3, 1865. He first of all attended Queen’s University where he obtained his degree of B.A. in 1886 and then took up the study of law, graduating at Osgoode Hall in 1889. After practicing for a short while in Toronto he came to Paris in 1892 and in 1907 was selected as superintendent of the Six Nations Reserve. He brought to the discharge of his duties much earnestness of purpose and faithful service and the highest interests of the Indians were always very close to his heart and design. Out of respect to his memory the Indian department in the post office building will remain closed until after the funeral. Employees of the office who have been associated with him for 16 years are unanimous in the tribute that he had always worked along progressive lines and had taken great interest in the education and advancement of the Indians. Under him there has been decided progress on the reserve, particularly in education.
Deceased was identified with military activities from early life and was prominent in the Brant Dragoons. He volunteered for service the moment the Great War broke out but the government declined his request to go overseas. However, he was squadron commander and later second in command of the C.M.R. depot battalion, Hamilton, where for some months he rendered very efficient service.
He was a member of Zion church and had been on the board of managers. He also belonged to the Masonic lodge, Paris and had been a past master there. His interest in historical matters was very great and he was an active member of the Brant Historical society. Some of he papers which he prepared with regard to Indian matters evidenced much research and possess great authority, especially one with regard to Chief Joseph Brant.
Courteous in all his dealings and unswerving in the high ideals which ever animated his life. Major Smith will be missed in a great many circles and activities.
He was married in 1895 to Alice Morson, daughter of the late A. Morson, M.D. of Toronto and in addition to the sorrowing widow, one son survives, Mr. Morson Smith of Montreal. Two brothers and three sisters are also left to mourn his loss. Colonel Sandford Smith, Toronto; Mr. A. Smith, Quebec; Mrs. P.J.C. MacDonnell, Perth; Mrs. L.F. Taylor, Ottawa; Mrs. E.F. Burritt, Ottawa.
The remains will be taken to Toronto on the 6 o’clock train, Saturday evening and interment will be at Peterborough on Sunday.
BX May 28, 1923
Military Funeral Given Major Smith – An Impressive Ceremony Was Participated in By Large Number
A most impressive military funeral was accorded on Saturday afternoon to the late Major Gordon J. Smith, with officer and men of the Dufferin Rifles, Dragoons, Artillery and local Machine Gun Company participating.
A service was first held at his late home, 160 Dufferin Avenue, Rev. G.S. (Capt) Easton and Rev. Dr. G.A. Woodside officiating. The last named spoke of the great and consistent help which the deceased had rendered in connection with the affairs of Zion Church and dwelt upon his upright life, unfailing courtesy and splendid and unvarying characteristics as a citizen and head of a home. He had set an example which all might well strive to emulate.
The coffin, encompassed by folds of the Union Jack, was placed upon a gun carriage drawn by four horses, and a charger, with empty saddle, followed. With arms reversed the escort marched to the Market Street depot, headed by the Dufferin Rifles band playing the dead march in Saul.
In addition to the military there was also a very large attendance of citizens anxious to pay a last tribute of respect. Pupils from the Mohawk Institute were also in evidence.
The military pall bearers were Col. M.A. Colquhoun, Lt. Col. H.F. Leonard, Lt. Col. M.E.B. Cutcliffe, Lt. Col. C. Brooks, Lt. Col. A.B. Cutcliffe, Major E. Sweet, Major W.T. Henderson, Major C. Thorburn.
The civilian pall bearers were G. Watt, F.D. Reville, C.L. Laing, R.C. McPherson, W.N. Andrews, R. Baldwin, Paris; Hilton Hill, Indian office; R.A. Abraham, Chatham.
The funeral tributes were exceptionally numerous and beautiful. They included wreaths from the O.C. and officers 25th Brant Dragoons; Col. Brooks and officers of the C.M.R.; officers and men of the 3rd Canadian Machine Gun brigade; Dufferin Rifles Battalion; warrant officers, staff sergeants and sergeants 25th Brant Dragoons, Brant Law Library Association; Brant Historical Society; local Council of Women; Brant Chapter I.O.D.E.; Brantford Post Office and Public works department; Brantford Customs and Excise department; board of management, Zion church; Miss P. Hill and H. Hill, Indian office.
The remains were placed upon the 6 o’clock train for Toronto and interment will be made at Peterborough on Monday.
